Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) have announced a historic collaboration to fight the rising global issue of microplastic contamination in the Abu Dhabi maritime environment. This groundbreaking study represents a significant advancement in our knowledge of and efforts to mitigate the effects of microplastic pollution on our marine ecosystems. It is the first of its kind in the emirate.
Beginning in 2022 and lasting until 2025, this partnership combines the cutting-edge laboratory methods and analytical skills of QCC with the scientific marine experience and research resources of EAD. With the help of this collaboration, microplastic levels will be thoroughly evaluated, offering priceless information about the condition of our marine ecosystem.
The first environmental study was carried out in 2022 by the marine team of EAD on board “Jaywun,” the most sophisticated maritime research vessel in the area. During a research journey that encompassed the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Gulf, and Abu Dhabi seas, one hundred water samples were gathered. Additionally, sediment samples were taken from the coast of Abu Dhabi. QCC has analyzed every sample, and the findings have shed light on the scope of the problem.
Answers on the state of microplastic pollution are beginning to come from EAD’s data assessment. These results will guide continued thorough environmental surveys covering water, sediment, and biota in the maritime environment of the emirate and are essential to comprehend the effects of these pollutants on marine animals. The collaboration between EAD and QCC will establish a methodology that will transform the way marine microplastics are sampled and analyzed.
Faisal Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at EAD, remarked that, “Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can persist in the environment for a long time. They pose a significant threat to ecosystems as they can be ingested by marine and terrestrial organisms, leading to potential harm to wildlife and ecosystem disruption. This partnership between EAD and QCC represents a significant step forward in addressing this pressing issue in Abu Dhabi. By combining expertise, the two entities aim to develop a tangible impact on the preservation and protection of the environment.”